Animals Mammals

Cheetah

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Acinonyx jubatus

PROFILE:

Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal, reaching speeds at over 62 m.p.h.! They are carnivorous, hunting in the early morning or late evening when it is not as hot but there is still enough light. Unlike other cats, their claws do not retract. You can find our cheetahs in our new Giants of the Savanna exhibit!

TYPE OF ANIMAL:

Mammal, Carnivore, Feline (cats)

NATIVE TO:

Africa and west Asia

IUCN CONSERVATION STATUS:

Vulnerable

DIET:

Carnivore

LIFESPAN:

zoos - up to 14 years

SOCIAL STATUS:

Females are solitary or accompanied by dependent young, and males are either solitary or live in stable coalitions of two or three brothers.